Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 412 motorcyclists were killed on Texas roadways in 2019 alone! An additional 1,800 were seriously injured. TxDOT has an annual campaign to increase driver awareness to reduce motorcycle accidents. Their “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign runs throughout the summer and fall as these are the deadliest months for motorcyclists on Texas roadways. TxDOT said, “The six-month period from May through October is the deadliest for motorcycle riders and accounted for 61 percent of motorcycle fatalities in Texas last year,”

According to David Strickland, the administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Sixteen percent of all vehicle fatalities in Texas involve motorcyclists”. This is just one of many insights from a recent study from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. Also noted in the article is that motorcyclists are 25 more times more likely than passengers in cars to be killed in an accident. Even more reason for Texas to improve our motorcyclist awareness.

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists and Drivers

Follow these safety tips to prevent vehicle/motorcycle crashes:

• Use Caution While Making Left Turns: It’s an easy mistake to misjudge the distance of an approaching motorcycle, that’s why it is always safest to let the motorcycle pass to avoid turning in front of the rider.
• Give Motorcyclists Room When Passing Them: While passing motorcyclists it is imperative to move over to the passing lane. Do not crowd the motorcyclist’s full lane.
• Exercise Extra Caution at Intersections: Almost one-third of motorcycle fatalities happen at roadway intersections. Many of these accidents are highly avoidable if drivers are paying close attention to their surroundings.
• Pay Full Attention While Driving: Momentary distractions can cause catastrophic results on roadways. Always pay full attention and try to reduce distractions such as checking your phone or adjusting the radio.
• Look Twice Before Changing Lanes: Check mirrors, check blind spots and always use turn signals.
• Stay Back: Always maintain a safe distance while following motorcyclists. When a motorcyclist downshifts instead of applying the brake to slow down, it can catch drivers off guard since there are no brake lights to signal that they are reducing their speed.
• Slow Down: This one is pretty self-explanatory. Follow the speed limit!

What to Do After A Motorcycle Accident?

Following a motorcycle accident, it can be easy to be flustered and shaken but you should remember one simple rule: do not overtly apologize or accept blame for the accident. Insurance companies can use this against you to reduce your claim!

While this is important to keep in the back of your mind, you should focus on seeking medical attention first and foremost. Even if you feel okay directly after your crash, it is important to do a full physical examination. This can help you to avoid future problems, as some problems may take time to show up, and can be found early if you are seen by a medical professional.

So, what else should I do after my accident? Here are some simple guidelines:

• Get contact information for any witnesses of the accident
• Remember DO NOT accept blame 
• Get the police involved 
• Take photographs of the Scene
• Take photographs of motorcycle damage
• Take photographs of surrounding areas

The Thompson Law Difference

First and foremost, Thompson Law is a family run, and family-oriented firm! We treat our clients like part of our family. Our San Antonio motorcycle accident lawyers know how to take on the insurance companies and get you the settlement you deserve. 

So, why choose Thompson Law?

• Experience: Insurance companies track which attorneys are willing to take a case to verdict at trial. They then offer better pre-litigation settlements to clients of those law firms. Ryan Thompson has been ranked in the Top 100 National Trial Lawyers and is a Lifetime Member of the Multi Million Dollar Advocates forum.
• Results: Thompson Law won 10 of the top 50 settlements in Texas in 2020, according to TopVerdict – more than any other personal injury law firm in the state of Texas.
• Accessibility: Our San Antonio motorcycle accident lawyers offer free consultations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week no matter where you live in San Antonio. Call today, as there is no fee unless we win.